How to Become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island

Rhode Island licenses counselors as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) through the Rhode Island Department of Health's (RIDOH) Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Graduate Degree

You need a master's degree, certificate of advanced graduate studies, or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or an allied field, with at least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution, including 12 credits of practicum and a one-year internship of at least 20 hours per week. RIDOH does not maintain a list of pre-approved programs, so confirm your program's coursework meets requirements directly.

Step 2: Complete Your Supervised Experience

Rhode Island requires two years of post-graduate supervised experience, totaling around 2,000 hours, under a qualifying supervisor: a licensed mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, independent social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist with at least 5 years of licensed, post-licensure clinical experience and Board-acceptable supervision training.

Step 3: Pass the NCMHCE

Rhode Island requires the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, administered by NBCC.

Step 4: Apply for Your LCMHC License

Submit your application to the Board at least 30 days before its scheduled meeting, including:

• Official transcripts

• A completed course worksheet documenting qualifying coursework

• Two character references

• A passport-style photograph

• Proof of legal status

• The non-refundable $70 application fee

Plan on a six-to-eight-week processing window for a complete application.

Apply for Your License

Start or continue your application directly with Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, the official licensing authority. Applications submitted anywhere else won't be processed.

Apply on the Board's Website

A Note on Accuracy

This post reflects information from the Rhode Island Department of Health's Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Licensing rules, fees, and statutes change. Verify current requirements directly at health.ri.gov before making any licensure decision.

Rhode Island reviews applications only at scheduled Board meetings, so submitting at least 30 days ahead of the next meeting date, rather than assuming rolling review, keeps your timeline realistic.